Ordinary Time

2 Peter 3:18

“But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen.”

Ordinary time in the church year falls between two periods of time in the church calendar.  It first begins after Epiphany, the time in which we celebrate the arrival of the magi meeting Jesus, and goes until lent begins.  Lent is the time in which we prepare for Easter. Ordinary time resumes when Eastertide concludes and goes until advent begins, the time in which we prepare for Christmas.  The liturgical color for ordinary time is green.  

During ordinary time the church encourages us as individuals and families to grow our faith in relationship with Christ through prayer, confession, worship and discipleship.  I like how the liturgical color of green connotes growth and connects us to creation such as trees, plants, fruits and vegetation.  

Ordinary time allows for rhythms to be created daily and weekly to grow our spiritual lives individually and in our families.  To mark this period of time in your home, plant seeds in a terracotta pot with soil and water, then wait and watch as they grow.  In the same way, individually and as a family, we can spend time with God. Start with a heart of gratitude giving thanks for the gifts he has bestowed upon you. Then offer up your concerns, what weighs heavy on your heart and mind, surrender to him.  Confess to him the things which you have said and done against him and your neighbor.  Then let him fill you with his grace and mercy through his presence and peace.  Spending time reading the Bible and reflecting through journal entries is another way one can grow their faith.  As you do this during ordinary time your faith will grow much like the seeds you planted. The roots break through the soil and grow into the plant it’s meant to be.  We too, like the seeds, will grow in our faith as we spend time with God in prayer and rooted in his word. We will become the children of God he created us to be.